Sign board panel



Sept. 1, 1964 w N. MILLER, JR

SIGN BOARD PANEL Filed Aug. 22, 1951 mmm/Mew BWM@ W ATTORNEY` Sept 1, 1964 w. N. MILLER, JR 3,146,541

SIGN BOARD PANEL Filed Aug. 22. 1951 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INV ENTOR Wam/Mm@ Mul um 5/ ATTORNEY` United States Patent O 3,146,541 SIGN EGARD PANEL William N. Mittler, Jr., '717 Crescent Ave., Greenville, S.C. Filed Aug. 22, 1961, Ser. No. 133,099 3 Claims. (Cl. 40125) The present invention relates to new and novel sign board apparatus and more particularly to a sign board apparatus which is formed substantially entirely of paperboard.

For many years, sign boards have been commonly formed of wood wherein a posting surface as well as the supporting framework were generally constructed of wooden material.

In more recent years, particularly with the advent of wide-spread use of aluminum, sign boards have also been constructed Iof aluminum. Aluminum has many advantages in sign boards since it is quite strong `and yet is lightweight which permits aluminum panels to be readily transported from place to place thereby permitting in-shop posting of the sign board panels which, of course, substantially reduces the time required for posting large signs.

Such light-weight sign board constructions as discussed above wherein panels may be constructed of aluminum and the like have certain disadvantages which the present invention overcomes. According to the present invention, the sign board panels are constructed substantially entirely of paperboard. With this arrangement, the panels are of a light-weight construction fully comparable to aluminum panels, and furthermore, the construction may be made such that the panels are very strong and are adapted to readily withstand the loads applied thereto during normal use.

The paperboard construction of the present invention is furthermore quite inexpensive thereby reducing the initial investment required, and furthermore substantially reducing the loss which occurs in the case of a blow-down or substantially complete destruction of the sign which may occur from time to time due to unusual weather conditions or other factors.

While the arrangement of the present invention is readily adaptable for use with separate portable panels, the construction may also be employed in large permanent signboard constructions, and the panels themselves may be mounted in any suitable type of support means.

Aluminum sign panels often develop a waviness or bumpy surface which, of course, is highly undesirable since the posted material thereon will assume the same configuration that will lnot provide the desired at surface. On the other hand, the front face which provides the posting surface of the present invention is quite smooth and does not have a tendency to form any sort of waves or unevenness during use.

When a panel formed of aluminum is dented or a hole is punctured therethrough, it is quite difficult to repair such damage. On the other hand, when a dent or a hole is punctured through the paperboard members of the present invention, this can be readily repaired by patching and the apparatus will be restored to its full effectiveness with a minimum of time and elfort. In order to withstand the normal Weather conditions the paperboard employed in the present invention is suitably treated so as to be water-repellent in a well-known manner. The opposite faces of the panels are formed of solid paperboard, where- `as the framework of the panels comprises a plurality of members formed of a plurality of laminated strips of corrugated paperboard. The construction of the framework members is such as to provide maximum strength for resisting loads applied thereto, and by laminating a plurality of strips, a Very rigid and strong framework is afforded.

ice

The rear face of the novel signboard panel Iaccording to the present invention is provided with spaced openings therethrough, and attaching members are supported by the panel framework, these attaching members being disposed adjacent to the openings of the rear face. Suitable attaching means in the form of hook members are adapted to extend through the openings in the rear face and engage the attaching members for securing the panels in operative position.

In the modified form of panel construction, rigid metallic members may be provided along the edges of the panels. These rigid edge members may be provided for the purpose of reducing wear on panels as they are used, and furthermore, these members may be provided with suitable intercooperating means for aligning the panels with one another.

It is generally desired to provide some sort of trim means about the completed `side so as to enhance the ornamental appearance thereof. This trim in most modernday sign boards comprises a part of the supporting framework for the sign panels land is separate and independent of the panels themselves. In the present invention, a novel trim means is provided including -a plurality of trim members, each of which is supported solely from an associated panel. The trim members are secured along the opposite edge portions thereof to the associated panels and reinforcing means is connected to the trim members for providing the necessary degree of rigidity such that the trim members will retain their desired shape during use.

Means is also provided in the trim means for draining away any moisture which may accumulate adjacent the trim means thereby ensuring that there will not be any accumulation of water at any portion of the panels.

It is apparent that a sign board formed substantially of paperboard as contemplated by the present invention will not be as permanent a construction as one formed of metal, for example, and it is still contemplated that the useful life of the signboard construction of the present invention will be substantial, and the cost is so low that it is readily feasible to replace the panels fairly frequently. It is contemplated that a number of dilferent signs may be posted over the front face of the panels of the present invention, and it should therefore be understood that the panels are not thrown away every time the sign is changed, but the panels may be used over and over again for a considerable length of time.

An object of the present invention is to provide a new and novel sign board apparatus which is of light-weight and inexpensive construction and yet which is quite sturdy and rugged in use.

Another object is the provision of sign board apparatus which provides a smooth and even posting surface which is not liable to become uneven during use.

A further object of the invention is to provide sign board apparatus wherein a damaged panel having a hole or a dent therein may be readily repaired.

A still further object of the invention is to provide sign board apparatus incorporating novel trim means which is entirely supported by the associated panels.

Other objects and many attendant advantages of the invention will become more apparent when considered in connection with the specification and accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. l is an elevation of a sign board according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a broken-away perspective view illustrating the trim means as associated with a panel;

FIG. 3 is a partly broken-away view illustrating the construction of a corner portion of the trim means;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 4 4 of FIG. l looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a panel according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged broken-away perspective view illustrating the manner of supporting the attaching members on the framework;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged broken-away view illustrating the manner in which the panels are attached to a support means; and

FIG. 8 is a broken away perspective view of a pair of panels incorporating a modified construction.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, there is shown in FIG. l a sign board according to the present invention. While the sign board apparatus may be supported on any suitable support means, a simple raised framework is shown including three vertically extending standards 10, 11 and 12 to which are secured cross members 13 and 14 as `seen in dotted lines. Hook members 15 are secured to spaced portions of cross members 13 and 14, and one of these hook members 15 is shown in more detail in FIG. 7, wherein'it can be seen that each of the hook members includes a first leg portion 17 and a second leg portion 18 extending angularly therefrom. Leg portion 17 is provided with a pair of openings which receive screws or other suitable attaching means 20 for securing the hook member to the associated cross member.

The panels of the present invention as hereinafter described are supported on and retained in place by hook members 15 as will herein after become more apparent.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the sign board apparatus itself includes in this particular illustration three panels 25, 26 and 27 which are disposed in substantially abutting relationship with one another. Trim means indicated generally by reference numerals 30, 31 and 32 is associated with each of the panels so as to provide a neat and attractive finished appearance to the over-all sign board. It should be noted at this point that the entire sign board may consist if desired of a single panel with suitable trim therearound and that any number of panels may be provided as desired.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the construction of a typical panel according to the present invention may be more clearly understood. The panel illustrated includes a front face 35, a rear face 36, and a panel framework indicated generally by reference numeral 37. As mentioned previously, each of these components is formed substantially entirely of paperboard, and front face 35 as well as rear face 36 comprises sheets of solid paperboard.

It will be noted that the rear face 36 is provided with four spaced openings 38, 39, 40 and 41 of substantially rectangular form, the purpose of these openings appearing more clearly hereinafter.

The panel framework 37 includes outer frame members 43, 44, 45 and 46, and for the purpose of discussion, framework member 46 may be considered the bottom frame member, while member 43 may be considered the top frame member, the opposite ends of these top and bottom frame members being connected by the side frame members 44 and 45 to define a substantially rectangular framework as seen.

A plurality of reinforcing members 47-51 are spaced from one another and extend between the upper and lower frame members 43 and 46 and are further disposed parallel with side frame members 44 and 45. These additional reinforcing members serve to rigidify and strengthen the panel framework as will be evident.

A first pair of cross brace members 53 and 54 extend between reinforcing members 47 and 48 adjacent to top frame member 43 while a second pair of cross brace members 55 and 56 extend between reinforcing members 47 and 48 adjacent bottom frame member 46. A pair of cross brace members 58 and 59 extend between reinforcing members 50 and 51 adjacent top frame member 43, while a pair of cross brace members 60 and 61 extend between reinforcing members 50 and 51 adjacent bottom frame member 46.

A plurality of attaching members 63, 64, 65 and 66 are supported by the pairs of cross brace members 53, 54; 55, 56; 58, 59; and 60, 61 respectively, these attaching members cooperating with the hook members supported on a suitable framework as is hereinafter described.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the construction of the panel framework may be more clearly understood. In this figure, portions of reinforcing members 5t) and 51 as well as cross brace members 58 and 59 are shown, and it should be understood that the construction of each of the members of the panel framework may be substantially similar. As will be noted in FIG. 6, each of these members of the panel framework are formed of laminated paperboard strips. As illustrated, each of the panel framework members is formed of six superimposed layers of corrugated cardboard which are secured to one another along the abutting faces thereof by a suitable adhesive substance such as a strong glue and the like. By so laminating a plurality of corrugated paperboard strips, structural members are obtained with a high degree of strength and rigidity. The framework members themselves are of course also adhesively secured to one another such that when the over-all framework is constructed as seen in FIG. 4, the entire framework forms a strong rigid unit.

As seen in FIG. 6, attaching member 65 includes a generally U-shaped central portion and a pair of integral opposite laterally extending leg portions 71 and 72. Cross brace members 58 and 59 are preferably provided with suitable recesses for receiving the leg portions 71, 72 such that the upper surface of the panel framework as seeen in FG. 6 will be flush for receiving the front face of the panel.

The attaching members are also preferably secured in position by a suitable adhesive substance, and the attaching members are preferably formed of a metallic substance such as aluminum to provide a very strong, rigid and wear-resistant attaching means.

It will be observed that the attaching members 63-66 are the only components of the entire signboard which are formed of material other than paperboard, and that the attaching members are so constructed as to provide a very sturdy attaching means for supporting the panels.

As seen in FIG. 7, the structure defined in FIG. 6 is shown in operative relationship with respect to one of the hook members 15. As seen in FIG. 7, the intermediate portion 76 of the attaching member 65 is hooked behind the leg portion 18 of hook member 15, thereby serving to retain the panel in operative relation to the support means. It should also be noted that the openings 38, 39, 46 and 41 in rear face 36 are disposed adjacent the attaching members 64, 63, 65 and 66 respectively. Accordingly, the leg portion 18 as seen in FIG. 7 extends through opening 4@ formed through rear face 36 of the panel.

It is apparent that in the construction as illustrated, four hook members will be associated with each panel for retaining the panel in operative position upon a suitable support means. It is further evident that the number of attaching members can be varied as desired in accordance with the size of the sign and the amount of support required to retain it in operative position under normal conditions.

It will be further seen that the panels can be quickly and easily attached to and removed from the hook members simply by sliding the panels laterally to move the attaching members into or out of operative relationship with the hook members of the supporting means.

The front and rear faces are also adhesively secured to the panel framework to thereby provide the finished panel construction. The front and rear faces when secured to opposite sides of the panel framework further serve to rigidify and strengthen the over-all panel structure so as to provide a most sturdy construction.

FIG. 8 illustrates a modification of the panel construction wherein a pair of abutting panels are indicated by reference numerals 75 and 76. The construction of these panels may be substantially the same as that shown in FIG. 4 in that the front and rear faces as well as the panel framework may be identical.

In addition, the panels 75 and 76 as seen in FIG. 8 are provided with strips 78 and 79 respectively along the lower edges thereof. These strips are formed of a wearresistant material and may comprise aluminum, for example. Strips 73 and 79 are particularly desirable where the panels are to be slidably supported upon a suitable supporting member. Similar strips may be provided along the top edges of the panels if desired.

The adjacent side edge portions of panels '75 and 76 are also provided with members 82 and 83. These members may also be formed of a metallic substance and preferably comprise aluminum extrusionns which are quite lightweight, yet strong. Member 82 includes a central longitudinally extending rib 85 which is adapted to snugly fit within a central longitudinally extending depression S6 formed in member 83 and being complementary to the shape of rib 35. As shown, rib 85 as well as depression S6 is substantially triangular in cross-sectional configuratron.

It is evident that when panel members 75 and 76 are brought into abutting relationship with one another, rib 85 will fit within depression 86, thereby serving to properly align the panels and ensuring that the posting surface on the front faces thereof will be substantially flush with one another. This is particularly important where it is desired to paint upon the posting surfaces and accordingly the adjacent posting surfaces should be substantially flush with one another.

Referring now to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the construction of the trim means of the present invention will become more apparent. As seen in FIGS. 2 and 4, a portion of a typical panel 25 is illustrated, and the trim member associated therewith is generally indicated by reference numeral 90. Trim member 90 includes a longitudinally extending upper edge portion 91 which is adapted to be secured to the front face 35 of the panel and a lower longitudinally extending edge portion 92 which is adapted to be secured to the bottom edge portion of the panel.

Trim member 90 as Well as the other trim members incorporated in the present invention is provided with a number of longitudinally extending score lines along which the trim members can be folded so as to provide a finished configuration which is quite ornamental.

As seen particularly in FIGS. 2 and 4, trim member 90 is shown in its erected operative position, and in this position, upper edge portion 91 is connected with an outwardly obliquely extending portion 94 which -in turn is connected with a substantially horizontally extending narrow portion 95. Portion 95 is in turn connected with a downwardly and outwardly extending portion 96 which is connected with a substantially vertically extending narrow portion 97. Portion 97 is in turn connected with a downwardly and inwardly extending portion 98 which is joined with the bottom edge portion 92 of trim member 90. As seen especially in FIG. 4, longitudinally extending edge portion 91 is secured to the front face 35 by staples 100 which are provided at suitably spaced intervals along the upper edge portion. Bottom edge portion 92 is secured to the lower edge portion of the panel by staples 101 which are also provided at suitably spaced longitudinal intervals.

As seen particularly in FIG. 2, the trim members are secured at suitable portions to reinforcing members 105. These reinforcing members as seen in FIG. 2 are provided with an .outer configuration which is complementary to the erected configuration of the trim member. Reinforcing members 105 may be formed of a suitablerigid substance and preferably may be formed of wood. As seen in FIG. 2, trim member is secured at one end edge portion thereof to reinforcing member by a plurality of spaced staples 107. It will be noted that trim member 90 .overlaps substantially one-half the Width of the edge of reinforcing member 105 to which it is attached, and it will be understood that the next adjacent trim member to trim member 90 will overlap the other half of the edge portion of reinforcing member 105 such that the reinforcing members will be completely hidden from vieW when the signboard is erected. As seen in FIG. 2, each of the trim members may be provided with suitable .openings so as to permit drainage of water therefrom thereby preventing Water from accumulating in and about the trim means of the sign board. As shown, a plurality of spaced openings are provided through the upper portion of the trim member and extend partially through upper edge portion 91 and partially through portion 94 thereof.

Spaced openings 111 are also provided through the lower longitudinally extending edge portion 92 of the trim member.

In assembling the trim member 90, for example, the longitudinally extending edge portion 91 positioned inwardly of the outer periphery of the associated panel may be first suitably attached to the front face of the panel as by stapling. The trim member can then be folded down to its operative position, and the lower edge portion 92 suitably secured as by stapling to the bottom edge of the panel. It will be understood that each of the trim members incorporated in the trim means of the present invention may be assembled in a similar manner.

Referring again to FIG. l of the drawings, it will be seen that the trim means of the present invention incorporates a plurality of trim members, and trim member 90 is specifically provided with reinforcing members 105 at the opposite end portions thereof. It is apparent that the reinforcing members may be provided at any suitable location as desired. Preferably, the reinforcing members are provided adjacent the edges of the trim members which abut adjacent trim members.

Considering the trim means 30 associated with panel 25 as a typical example, it will be seen that trim member 90 as well as additional trim members 120 and 121 may be of substantially identical configuration while trim members 122 and 123 cooperate to `form one corner while trim members 124 and 125 cooperate to form the other corner thereof. Trim members 122-125 are provided with the same cross-sectional configuration as illustrated in FIG. 4, but it is evident tha-t the side edges thereof are cut obliquely so as to abut one another along diagonally extending lines 127 and 128 as will be apparent. With this arrangement, a neat finished corner portion is also provided. It will be understood that the construction of the trim means 32 associated with panel 27 is identical with that of trim means 30 except, of course, the arrangement is reversed. Trim means 31 associated with panel 26 simply includes a trim member 130 extending along the upper edge of the panel and a trim member 131 extending along the lower edge of the panel.

Referring to FIG. 3, it will be noted that trim member is provided with a reinforcing member 136 at one edge portion thereof which abuts against a reinforcing member 137 secured to trim member 130. Trim member 124 is provided with a reinforcing member 140 which abuts up against a reinforcing member 141 secured to trim member 120.

In order to reinforce the connection along line 128 of the abutting trim members 124 and 125, a reinforcing strip 145 is provided, this strip overlapping the adjacent abutting edge portions of trim members 124 and 125 and being secured thereto by suitable securing means such as staples 147. It will be understood that similar reinforcing strips are provided at each of the corners of the completed sign board.

`It is apparent from the foregoing tha-t there is provided a new and novel sign board apparatus which is quite light-weight and inexpensive in construction and yet which is quite sturdy and rugged in use.

The forward surface of the front face of each of the panels provides a verysmooth posting surface and should any holes or dents occur in this surface, for one reason or another, such injury can be readily repaired by patching in a Well-known manner. The trim means of the present invention is supported entirely by the associated panels and provides a finished ornamental and attractive appearance to the sign board,

As this invention may be embodied in several forms Without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof, the present embodiment is therefore illustrative and not restrictive, and since the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims, all changes that fall within the metes and bounds of the claims or that form their functional as well as conjointly cooperative equivalents are therefore intended to be embraced by those claims.

I claim:

l. A signboard panel formed substantially entirely of paperboard comprising a self-sustaining rigid framework, said framework comprising a plurality of interconnected members each of which is formed of a plurality of laminated paperboard strips fixedly secured to one another, said framework including elongated outer frame members each of which is fixedly connected at its opposite ends to the ends of adjacent outer frame members, said framework including reinforcing frame members extending between and having the opposite ends thereof fixedly connected to certain of said outer frame members, a plurality of cross-brace members each formed of a plurality of laminated paperboard strips, each of said crossbrace members having the opposite ends thereof fixedly connected between a pair of said reinforcing frame members, to define a rigid framework unit, a front face formed of a sheet of paperboard fixedly secured to one side of said framework and a rear face formed of a sheet of paperboard fixedly secured to the opposite side of said framework to thereby define a panel, said rear face having a plurality of spaced openings formed therethrough for receiving attaching means, and a plurality of attaching members supported by said cross-brace members of the framework and positioned adjacent said openings for receiving attaching means, said attaching members being formed of a rigid wear-resistant material, each of said attaching members including a central substantially U- shaped portion for engaging a hook-like attaching means, each of said -attaching members also including laterally extending leg portions, said leg portions of said attaching members each being connected to one of said crossbrace members for fixedly supporting each attaching member in operative position between a pair of said crossbrace members, the U-shaped portion of each of said attaching members being positioned at the central portion of one of said openings and having an outer portion substantially in the plane of said rear surface and spaced from opposite sides of the associated opening to facilitate engagement ofthe attaching members with an attaching means.

2. A signboard panel formed substantially entirely of paperboard comprising a self-sustaining rigid framework, said framework comprising a plurality of interconnected rigid members each of which is formed of a plurality of corrugated paperboard strips fixedly secured together, the framework including outer frame members defining a bottom frame member, a top frame member, and a pair of side frame members, the opposite ends of said top and bottom frame members being rigidly connected with opposite ends of said side frame members to define a substantially rectangular outer framework configuration, said framework including a plurality of spaced reinforcing members having the opposite ends thereof rigidly connected to said bottom frame member and top frame member respectively and being disposed substantially parallel with said side frame members, a plurality of cross-brace members each of which has the opposite ends thereof rigidly secured to one of said reinforcing members to define a plurality of pairs of adjacent spaced cross frame members extending substantially parallel with said bottom frame member and said top frame member, a plurality of attaching members, each of said attaching members including a generally U-shaped central portion and a pair of integral opposite laterally extending leg portions, each of said cross-brace members having a recess for receiving one of the legs of an associated attaching member, the opposite legs of each attaching member being received within the recesses of a pair of adjacent crossbrace members to be fixedly supported in position therebetween substantially mid-way between an adjacent pair of reinforcing members, said attaching members being formed of a rigid wear-resistant material, a front face comprising a sheet of paperboard fixedly secured to one side of said framework, a rear face formed of a sheet of paperboard fixedly secured to the opposite side of said framework to thereby define a rigid panel, said rear face having a plurality of spaced openings formed therethrough for receiving attaching means, each of said attaching members being positioned adjacent one of said openings in said rear face, the outermost portion of said central U- shaped portion of each of said attaching members being disposed substantially in the plane of said rear face and being spaced from opposite sides of the associated opening to dene a vertically extending portion at the center of the associated opening for receiving attaching means, whereby the panel may be readily slid into or out of operative relationship with suitable attaching means.

3. Apparatus as defined in claim 2, including trim means being completely separate from said panel and formed of paperboard and being supported solely by said panel, said trim means Vincluding a first edge portion secured to the front face of the panel and a second edge portion secured to an edge of said panel, the remaining portion of said trim means being spaced from said panel, the trim means being folded along a plurality of longitudinally extending lines intermediate said first and second edge portions to provide an ornamental appearance, and reinforcing members secured to the inwardly facing surface of said trim means and having a configuration corresponding to that of the erected shape of the trim means for reinforcing and retaining the shape of the trim means.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 304,652 Jory Sept. 2, 1884 868,627 Fairchild Oct. 15, 1907 908,482 Morton Jan. 5, 1909 1,148,114 Morris et al. July 27, 1915 1,562,140 Bird et al. Nov. 17, 1925 1,620,396 Sackett Mar. 8, 1927 1,781,558 Speck Nov. 11, 1930 1,789,849 Speck Jan. 20, 1931 1,955,833 Romanoff Apr. 24, 1934 2,137,767 Betcone Nov. 22, 1938 2,165,724 Page et al. July 11, 1939 2,181,827 Ziemmerman Nov. 28, 1939 2,271,584 Fellom Feb. 3, 1942 2,395,369 Burr Feb. 19, 1946 2,511,620 Clements June 13, 1950 2,972,440 Munroe Feb. 21, 1961 FOREIGN PATENTS 8,904 Switzerland Aug. 30, 1894 Sweden June 29, 1943 

1. A SIGNBOARD PANEL FORMED SUBSTANTIALLY ENTIRELY OF PAPERBOARD COMPRISING A SELF-SUSTAINING RIGID FRAMEWORK, SAID FRAMEWORK COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF INTERCONNECTED MEMBERS EACH OF WHICH IS FORMED OF A PLURALITY OF LAMINATED PAPERBOARD STRIPS FIXEDLY SECURED TO ONE ANOTHER, SAID FRAMEWORK INCLUDING ELONGATED OUTER FRAME MEMBERS EACH OF WHICH IS FIXEDLY CONNECTED AT ITS OPPOSITE ENDS TO THE ENDS OF ADJACENT OUTER FRAME MEMBERS, SAID FRAMEWORK INCLUDING REINFORCING FRAME MEMBERS EXTENDING BETWEEN AND HAVING THE OPPOSITE ENDS THEREOF FIXEDLY CONNECTED TO CERTAIN OF SAID OUTER FRAME MEMBERS, A PLURALITY OF CROSS-BRACE MEMBERS EACH FORMED OF A PLURALITY OF LAMINATED PAPERBOARD STRIPS, EACH OF SAID CROSSBRACE MEMBERS HAVING THE OPPOSITE ENDS THEREOF FIXEDLY CONNECTED BETWEEN A PAIR OF SAID REINFORCING FRAME MEMBERS, TO DEFINE A RIGID FRAMEWORK UNIT, A FRONT FACE FORMED OF A SHEET OF PAPERBOARD FIXEDLY SECURED TO ONE SIDE OF SAID FRAMEWORK AND A REAR FACE FORMED OF A SHEET OF PAPERBOARD FIXEDLY SECURED TO THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF SAID FRAMEWORK TO THEREBY DEFINE A PANEL, SAID REAR FACE HAVING A PLURALITY OF SPACED OPENINGS FORMED THERETHROUGH FOR RECEIVING ATTACHING MEANS, AND A PLURALITY OF ATTACHING MEMBERS SUPPORTED BY SAID CROSS-BRACE MEMBERS OF THE FRAMEWORK AND POSITIONED ADJACENT SAID OPENINGS FOR RECEIVING ATTACHING MEANS, SAID ATTACHING MEMBERS BEING FORMED OF A RIGID WEAR-RESISTANT MATRIAL, EACH OF SAID ATTACHING MEMBERS INCLUDING A CENTRAL SUBSTANTIALLY USHAPED PORTION FOR ENGAGING A HOOK-LIKE ATTACHING MEANS, 